The sneaky tempter
He owes you.
After my lesson with the article ‘The dream that never came true.’ The devil came to me and tempted me saying ‘Well, you did as God demanded, now He owes you. Come on, go get drunk. He has to forgive you because you obeyed Him.’
Being an alcoholic (when you are born with a disposition to alcohol you are always and alcoholic. The difference is The Holy Spirit gives you the power to conquer it, but it always there waiting for a weak moment) he knew this is a weak spot for me.
‘God did not demand anything of me you filthy liar. He reminded me of the right way to behave like a child of His and I obeyed because I love Him. Besides He has a job for me to do. How can this be accomplished in a drunken or hung over state? Get away from me you filthy conniver.’ was my reply.
Then the desire instantly left me.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[ beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.1 Corinthians 10:13
Do not foolishly believe that when God moves you to say something or behave in a certain way that He owes you anything when you obey.
The reason we obey God is: God directs you to do what is good. You may not understand and do not see the big picture as He does. That is where trust and obedience comes in.
When God teaches you a lesson it is to make you a better man or woman, and develop a closer relationship with Him. He is not a dictator who has His own self interest in mind. He loves you and always wants what is best for you.
And of course there is the most important aspect of all: Jesus Christ suffered shame, humiliation and pain on that cross for us. Is it not we who owe Him?
Prayer: Please Jehovah Yehew (God of His people) please always remind us when the tempter comes that we have a holy relationship with you and that involves trust and obedience on our part. Help us to remind the devil of this when he slithers up to us with his conniving lies. I ask this in the name of Him who reminded satan in His temptation as revealed in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus Christ. Amen.
May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.